Parkinson’s disease. You are so unkind. Taking our lightness, leaving us blind. But we fight on. We stand and won’t fall. Together in life. We will answer the call.
The hands they are shaking. The gaze becomes dim. The world spins faster. Our hearts full of wind. Steps grow smaller. Courage drifts far. Yet within us burns a fire. A shining star.
Oh Parkinson’s disease. You are so unkind. Taking our lightness, leaving us blind. But we fight on. We stand and won’t fall. Together in life we will answer the call.
The doctors are talking of therapies and meds. Levadopa hope for the path that it threat. But the night is long and the day feels so tough. In search of a smile, our heart’s getting rough.
Sometimes tears come, sometimes laughter we find. Together in pain, we learn to be kind. With friends and family hand in hand, in the darkness of life. Together we stand.
Oh, Parkinson’s disease. You are so unkind. Taking our lightness, leaving us blind. But we fight on. We stand and won’t fall. Together in life we will answer the call.
The night’s filled with questions, the days full of might. We learn to keep living even when it’s not right.
The voice may grow silent, yet our hearts they will sing. In the stillness of life, hope takes to the wing.
Oh, Parkinson’s easy. You are so unkind. Taking our lightness, leaving us blind, but we fight on. We stand and won’t fall together in life. We will answer the call.
So let us be together, our hands intertwine in the face of the storms. We are never malign
Parkinson’s disease you are part of our tale. but together we are strong. Together we prevail.
The tremors start, and my hands begin to shake, A battle I didn’t choose, but it’s mine to face. The world moves faster, but I can’t keep up, I’m trying to hold on, but I’m losing touch.
Every step I take feels like I’m sinking deep, A fight with my own body, can’t find relief. But I won’t surrender, I won’t give in, This fight is mine, and I’ll fight till the end.
I want to be still. I want to be free. I don’t like this thing controlling me. Not ready for angels. To fly me high in the sky. Gotta keep on fighting. Till the day I die. I want to be still.
The days grow longer, but I’m standing tall, Even when the darkness tries to make me fall. I might stumble, but I’ll rise again, The warrior inside me will never bend.
The shakes may come, and the pain might stay, But I won’t let this disease take me away. In every moment, I’ll find my strength, I’ll fight for my life, no matter the length.
I want to be still. I want to be free. I don’t like this thing controlling me. Not ready for angels. To fly me high in the sky. Gotta keep on fighting. Till the day I die. I want to be still.
There’s no giving up, though it feels so hard, I’ll hold on to hope, no matter how scarred. Through every struggle, through every tear, I’ll keep on moving forward, with no fear.
I want to be still. I want to be free. I don’t like this thing controlling me. Not ready for angels. To fly me high in the sky. Gotta keep on fighting. Till the day I die. I want to be still.
Still… I want to be still. I’ll keep on fighting. I want to be still.
Music performed by: René van Helsdingen – piano; Lain Barbier and Jane Proove – vocals; Teije ter Maat – saxophones; Jaap Voeten – trombone; Ivan Stavro Gambini – drums; Giacomo Dominici – bass
Best Animation – Parkinsong 2026
We nearly all experience something nasty during our lives. Statistics tell the real story. In Mark Edward Fuller and René van Helsdingen’s case it was Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder. This video combines a poem by Mark Edward Fuller, graphic art by Victor de Boo, animation and music by René van Helsdingen.
The Nasty Side Of Life Mark Edward Fuller
If that doesn’t get you then this will
The nasty side of life Comes without warning In the blink of an eye Changing you prospects From good to appalling
One minute you’re there Laughing and drinking Laugh – ha ha ha ha ha ha
One minute you’re there Laughing and drinking The soul of the party The next flat on the floor Blood pressure sinking
If you knew what was coming would you go – go on at all? Given four weeks to live On the first day of spring Or a twin-tower fall
The nasty side of life Comes without warning In the blink of an eye Changing you prospects From good to appalling
When young and gullible You blithely carry on With careers and coupling Restricting misfortune To the unlucky one
But once you pass forty Statistics tell the real story With almost one in two Nobbled by nastiness Retirement plans end poorly
If you knew what was coming would you go – go on at all? Given four weeks to live On the first day of spring Or a twin-tower fall
The nasty side of life Comes without warning In the blink of an eye Changing you prospects From good to appalling
Life is a bitch we say Life’s too short for complaining … for complaining When the last ditch appears Raise your glass and hope For a happy ending
There is no great escape You can fly to the moon Buy a Cryogenic crate But the nasty side of life Always comes too soon
If you knew what was coming would you go – go on at all? Given four weeks to live On the first day of spring Or a twin-tower fall
The nasty side of life Comes without warning In the blink of an eye Changing you prospects From good to appalling
Still you have believers, Faith in Lord and master Ducking the big question What good will their God do At life’s next disaster
If you knew what was coming would you go – go on at all? Given four weeks to live On the first day of spring Or a twin-tower fall
There’s no escaping fate Just a matter of waiting Till procreation doneThere’s no escaping fate Just a matter of waiting Till procreation done Evolution moves on To new bouts of mating
E.J. Ballard, passed away in November 2024 following a long and tumultuous journey with Parkinson’s and, later as consequence, dementia. He was a lifelong musician, deeply committed to his craft, and continued composing music well into the progression of his illness.
LOST AT SEA
Love is great to celebrate with words so gently rhyming. But all I can do is tell my true with approximate pitch and timing. So I’ll take a chance, sing you the stars, and hope that you don’t flee.
Remember, remember me. Lost at sea. My boys and girls. Lost at sea.
As my stride becomes the shuffle and my back in a teapot spout and my face a fixed expression which allows a little dribble out. My life’s mostly a cat shuffle but I won’t out rough the sea.
Remember, remember, remember me. Lost at sea. My boys and girls, lost at sea.
And my garden fills with fairies. Medication makes minds mushy. And some who try to help me just end up getting pushy. And even my guardian angel don’t find this caring cushy.
Remember, remember me. Lost at sea my boys and girls. Lost at sea.
Remember, remember Be lost at sea. My boys and girls. Lost at sea.
Well, now you’ve heard my little tune. In tune or thereabouts. I dedicate it to you all who stayed and heard me out. But spare a thought to those ,who are caught by some uncurabe malady.
Remember, remember me. Lost at sea, my boys and girls. Lost at sea. Lost. Lost. Lost at sea. My girls and boys. Lost. Lost. Lost.
Best Song – 3rd Place – 135 Votes – Parkinsong 2026
This song is dedicated to people living with Parkinson’s AND care partners (YOU ROCK!)
SHAKE THE WORLD UP!
LOOK UP NOT DOWN WE’LL TURN IT ALL AROUND
BE KIND TO YOURSELF WE’LL LOVE YOU ANYWAY
WE’LL SHAKE THE WORLD UP SHAKE THE WORLD UP WE’LL SHAKE THE WORLD UP WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN IT COMES FOR YOU?
I REMEMBER THE GOOD DAYS WHEN I WAS YOUNG I WALKED ON THE BRIGHT SIDE INTO THE SUN
BUT NOW MY DAYS ARE HARDER I’M FEELING THE PULL WALKING THE STREETS I LOOK LIKE A DRUNK!
I CAN SEE THE HOPE WHEN NOBODY WILL AND I CAN SEE THE CLOUDS PARTING OVER THE HILLS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT AT THE WAKING HOUR BELIEVE IN LOVE AND A HIGHER POWER COME WITH US AND WE’LL TAKE YOU HIGHER
WE’LL SHAKE THE WORLD UP SHAKE THE WORLD UP WE’LL SHAKE THE WORLD UP WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN IT COMES FOR YOU? WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN IT COMES FOR YOU? WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN IT COMES FOR YOU?
BE STRONG BUT DON’T CRY WE’LL FIGHT IT TILL THE DAY THAT WE DIE GO SLOW BUT DON’T STOP
BELIEVE IN LOVE AND A HIGHER POWER COME WITH US AND WE’LL TAKE YOU HIGHER
WE’LL SHAKE THE WORLD UP WE’LL SHAKE THE WORLD UP WE’LL SHAKE THE WORLD UP
SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL YEAH SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL YEAH SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL YEAH SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL YEAH SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL YEAH SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL YEAH
I’VE TAKEN ALL THE PILLS SWALLOWED THEM DOWN WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN IT COMES FOR YOU?
It is a cold cloudy night as always ready to fight lying in my bed with open eyes I try to ignore the pain of those nights
I follow my dreams to the land I hope for open the heavy old door squeaks with an odd sound turning it’s wooden old body around
This is where I will hide every night Until me capable of fighting my fight let all things go fully enjoy the show door open or forever gone until no one hiding
A view of what might become all the beauty in paradise already been done flowering green with birds and butterflies endless blue sky to arise
Oh sun stretching out your loving arms warm the cold fear in my palms endless hope and optimism me dancing and singing the rhyth
This is where I will hide every night Until me capable of fighting my fight let all things go fully enjoy the show door open or forever gone until no one hiding
Honest feelings and dedication pure joy of doing things with fascination There will be falling and impact No more run away from the fact
life is full of up and down you might fight for your crown you’ll be a queen no matter what a dirty dress is part of the plot
This is where I will hide every night Until me capable of fighting my fight let all things go fully enjoy the show door open or forever gone until no one hiding
Slowly I begin to understand I am the one, here where I stand Behind days of daring and night dreaming
As long as I hide I have to fight once I accept my role the unknown will take over control
LYRICS and MUSIC by Birdie Belgium, PRODUCED by Pallieter Van Buggenhout, VIDEO by Fabian De Wilde and Frederik Van Melle
Finalist – Parkinsong 2026
A song about and for my mum who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. This song was made in collaboration with Prof. Bas Bloem. Half of all proceeds will go to research on the benefits of art for people with Parkinson’s. Released on World Parkinson’s Day 2025
For My Mum
She can’t sit still, can’t walk. Sometimes she runs the stairs up and down. Suddenly she’s stuck. No turning, no movement. … It’s done. So it’s hard to see the pain in your eyes. Confusion that it’s you. But you still try. It’s hard to see that this thing inside slowly takes you away from love. From love.
I’m holding your hand so the shaking would stop. Cuz you’re a proud woman. You don’t want people to judge, but let them stare. Yeah. Let them talk. You’re the bravest one I know. And I’m proud you’re my mom, but it’s hard to see the pain in your eyes. Confusion that hits you. And you still try. It’s hard to see that this thing inside slowly takes you away. Oh, away from us.
Body freezes up while your mouth shakes away. So much you want to tell me and nothing you can say. I lay next to you. … We’re staring outside. These roll over face. And I can feel you’re giving up, but it’s hard to see the pain in your eyes. Confusion that it’s you. And you still hard to see that this thing inside slowly takes you away. away from us.
Oh, where where do you draw the line? When is it too hard to still try? When when does it stop? When has she suffered enough? Cuz it’s hard to see the pain inyour eyes. Confusion. Let it. But you always try. It’s hard to see that this thing inside slowly takes you away. Oh, away from love.
MUSIC and LYRICS by Rob Georg and Kristin K. Smith
Best Song – 1st Place – 420 Votes – Parkinsong 2026
Climb This Mountain
He had a hard grip on the reins As he led me up the Rocky Mountains Singing all the way Na na na na na na
My daddy never was afraid He never lost his balance Never let me stray Na na na na na na
Pop Then one night When he and I were drinkin‘ His hands they started shakin‘ And I knew he would never be the same And I promised him that I would take the reigns
We’ll climb this mountain Just like we used to We’ll cross the river This time I’ll pull you through Though life is rocky And your grip is slippin‘ We’ll climb this mountain We’ll climb this mountain
We’ve had some hard years But some good days And I hold on tight To every word that he says Thought we lost him once or twice But somehow he comes back to life Even though it’s getting harder to fight
We’ll climb this mountain Just like we used to We’ll cross the river This time I’ll pull you through Though life is rocky And your grip is slippin‘ We’ll climb this mountain
Even if the earth is shaking Under your feet Trying to knock you to the ground I’ll be making sure you’re steady Hold on to me You can never keep a good man down
INSTRUMENTAL
We’ll climb this mountain Just like we used to We’ll cross the river And this time I’ll pull you through Though life is rocky And your grip is slippin‘ We’ll climb this mountain We’ll climb this mountain
And I sing for him Na na na na na na Na na na na na na Na na na na na na na Na na na na na na Na na na na na na Na na na na na na na
Planned in 2020 as Live Rock Concert at the Lässerhof in Stattegg, Austria, this WPC Fund Raiser for Travel Grants to Barcelona had to be postponed for six months, thanks to the Coronavirus. By then the pandemic still wasn’t over. However, the artists were as keen to perform as I was, to make it happen now. The only way around the lockdown was by performing for an audience staying at home, watching us on their cell phones, tablets or big TV screens – in form of a Livestream.
I had never done a video stream before, so Graz Connected was invited to come on board. The collaboration with this experienced partner turned our streaming premiere into a very successful event, with 1,6 Thousand viewers, donating USD 6,000. In addition to the Brett Whiteley Grant, the Gangway Grant, and the Badhoven Grant, at USD 600 each, a total of USD 7,800 were raised this far, to send European YOPd and junior researchers on their way to the 6th WPC in 2023.
Das ursprünglich im Vorjahr geplante Benefizkonzert im Lässerhof musste bereits einmal verschoben werden, ein zweites Mal sollte das Virus keine Chance haben, uns den Spaß zu verderben. Voraussetzung für die Teilnahme war ein negatives Corona Testergebnis. Die Technik hat die Distanz zum Publikum überbrückt. PARKINSONG.ORG hat mit dieser Veranstaltung ein starkes Signal gesetzt, dass sich Musik auch in schwierigen Zeiten nicht unterjochen lässt.
„Ein MEGA Konzert“ lautet unisono das Feedback auf das 2 1/2 Stunden Benefizkonzert, das von Stattegg aus in alle Welt via Facebook Live übertragen wurde und bis dato mehr als 1,5 Tausend Menschen erreicht hat. Auf YouTube findet man die Playlist STATTEGG ROCKT, sowie individuelle Live Mitschnitte aller Acts, wie BADHOVEN, mit ihrem aktuellen Album „All the World’s a Fake“. Der erste Song ,“How Will It Be“ feat. Gerald Ganglbauer, ist vom Album „Parkinsong Duets“.
„Hat echt Spaß gemacht“ meint ein rundum zufriedener Peter Droneberger, Obmann des Vereins von Graz Connected, der die Licht-, Ton-, Aufnahme- und Übertragungstechnik zur Verfügung stellte. „Fettes Konzert, leider war das Highlight der Show von Tonproblemen begleitet!“ schreibt der Stattegger Gerald Brunner. Life ist eben live, und umgekehrt. Die Tonstörungen im Stream konnten in der Videoaufzeichnung behoben werden. „Für mich war es neu und ungewohnt, die Zuschauer nicht zu sehen, aber das Konzert hat sehr viel Spaß gemacht.“ meint auch Flo Verant, Bassist bei Badhoven.
Music for Parkinson’s Research
The Acts on video
The last song of the first act, “Not the River of Mercy”, is also sung by Norbert Wally together with Gerald Ganglbauer and The Base on the album “Parkinsong Duets”.
Norbert Wally of „The Base“ opens the show
Jörg Veselka and Martin Schreiber as the second act
STATTEGG ROCKS for Parkinson’s research: Main Act „Badhoven“
The first song of the main act, “How Will It Be”, was recorded by Badhoven together with Gerald Ganglbauer on the album “Parkinsong Duets”.
Thanks to: Norbert Wally (The Base), Jörg Veselka (Singer/Songwriter) feat. Martin Schreiber (Electric guitar), Kurt Christian, Flo Verant, Gerd Sojka, Gerhard Paar, Günter Schablas (Badhoven), Peter Droneberger (Sound), Valentin Hasebe (Stage), Katharina Krachler (Light), Max Vegerer (Video), Heidi Stampler (Catering), Tobias Träger (Technics) and Gerald Ganglbauer (Executive Producer) – and the invisible audience.
Local Media
Vojo Radkovic in the GRAZER, March 8, 2021Nina Schemmerl in the WEEK, March 10, 2021
Everyone called it a MEGA concert
It was fun. We all had a great time. Our mood was POSITIVE as we all tested NEGATIVE. Between acts, Peter Droneberger interviewed the artists, and I even performed Stefan Weber’s „Parkinson Blues“ together with Badhoven as a tribute to the Viennese rock legend and recited the English translation.
All up a two and a half hours showtime we will not forget.
February 27, 2021, Badhoven and Friends
